Bad Breath Cure, Causes and Treatments

Hey, there! Did you realize that a startling 30% of people globally suffer from bad breath? That’s nearly one out of every three persons you encounter.

Welcome to TikTalk Health Watch.

Today, we’ll look at an issue that is rarely discussed but affects so many of us: bad breath, often known as halitosis.

Now that masks are being removed, you can’t truly hide your terrible breath. Masks used to help hide foul breath, but now that masks are being removed, people will notice.  

Let’s get real for a moment. Halitosis isn’t something a mint or a quick toothbrush can always fix. That is why in this post we will dig deep into what causes bad breath, the best mouthwash for bad breath, and how to get rid of bad breath.

What is Bad Breath – Halitosis?

Bad breath, is also called halitosis. It is an unpleasant smell coming from the mouth. Halitosis can occur on occasion or be a chronic condition.

Here’s a little nugget of truth to chew on a whopping 90% of bad breath cases stem from issues right in our mouths like dental plaque, tongue coating, foods the person eats, poor oral hygiene, diseases, or dry mouth. Surprising, right? The state of our mouth plays a huge role in how fresh our breath is. Let’s break it down.

 

How Bad Breath is Detected?

There are so many questions online such as;

 

• How do I smell my breath?
• How do you know if your bad breath is from your stomach?
• How can you tell if someone has halitosis?
• How can you tell if someone has bad breath?
• How do I know if I have a bad breath?

Here is the solution to all your answers

Smelling Your Breath: This is a self-assessment that you ought to do on your own.

You cup your hands over your mouth and nose, breathe out, and then smell your breath. However, this method may not always be accurate because people can become accustomed to their scent.

Licking and Smelling: Lick the back of your hand, and allow it to dry for a few seconds before smelling it. This can give you an idea of how your breath smells.

Halimeter Test: This is a professional method.

Dentists often utilize a halimeter, which measures the quantities of sulfur compounds in the breath. High amounts of these chemicals are frequently associated with halitosis.

Organoleptic method: The organoleptic method is a direct sniff test in which a dentist or a qualified clinician smells your breath and scores the odor on a scale.

Causes of Bad Breath

Let’s talk about some of the main causes of bad breath.

Poor Oral Hygiene

The first cause of halitosis is bacteria in the mouth, which is produced by poor oral hygiene habits. Bacteria are the cause of almost all persistent halitosis.

Bacteria that build up on your teeth, particularly between them, as well as on your tongue and gums, can produce foul odors. These bacteria can also cause gum disease and tooth decay.

Food and Drink

Consuming foods with strong flavors, such as garlic, onions, coffee, alcohol, or spices, might result in smelling breath.

Smoking

Smoking is another cause of bad breath. It not only causes foul breath, but it also stains your teeth, damages your gums, and dulls your sense of taste.

Crash Dieting

Strict dieting and fasting might cause you to produce ketone bodies, which have a strong and unpleasant odor. People on ketogenic or high-protein diets frequently have bad breath as a result of ketone body production. It has been proved that some persons who miss breakfast have extremely terrible breath.

Drugs: Cause Bad Breath

Certain medications might produce foul breath. These include nitrates (used to treat angina), certain chemotherapeutic medicines, and tranquilizers.

Medical problems

Certain medical disorders can occasionally create unpleasant breath. Dry mouth (xerostomia) can alter the flow and composition of saliva, resulting in increased bacteria and poor breath. Bad breath has also been associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as H. pylori infection of the stomach lining and small intestine, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Dental issues

Tongue coating is another cause of mouth smell; it is a layer of food residue, dead cells, and microorganisms that cools on your tongue and contributes significantly to bad breath. Don’t forget about dry mouth. Our saliva acts as a natural mouthwash, but if we don’t have enough of it, our mouth can begin to smell bad.

Tobacco products

Summarized points on Causes of Bad Breath

• Bacteria in the mouth give off sulfur or sulfur-related compounds.
• Gum disease can cause bad breath.
• Eating the wrong foods like garlic, onions, or highly fermented foods.
• Dieting can cause ketone bodies and malodor.
• Not getting your teeth cleaned and not taking care of your mouth can cause bad breath.

Beyond toothpaste and mouthwash, other practices can significantly impact your breath freshness

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath – Treatments   

Now, on to tackling foul breath. It all boils down to so many things to take note of:

Firstly,

1. Good Oral Hygiene Practices

– Brushing teeth twice daily:  Begin with the basics, brushing and flossing are more than just good habits; they are your first line of defense. Brushing twice a day helps fight plaque and bacteria in your mouth.

– Flossing daily: Flossing is an efficient way to get to those difficult-to-reach parts between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot. Daily flossing can significantly lower your risk of gum disease and smelling breath.

– Regular dental checkups and cleanings: Don’t forget to set up regular dental checkups. Your dentist is vital not only at difficult times but also for detecting problems early on and giving your teeth the professional cleaning they need.

 

2. Dietary Changes

– Avoid strongly flavored foods: Garlic, onions, caffeine, alcohol, and spices can all create foul breath, so avoid them if you have any concerns about your breath.

– Stay hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to moisturize your mouth. If you find plain water dull, try adding a slice of lemon or a drop of lemon essential oil for a pleasant change.

– Consume more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, since they can help keep your breath fresh.

 

Another tip on how to get rid of bad breath is…

 

3. Home Remedies for Bad Breath

– Drinking green tea: Green tea is another excellent beverage for bad breath cure since its antimicrobials act as a deodorant and natural disinfectant, reducing sulfur compounds in your mouth.

– Drinking green juices: Drinking green juices with no added sugar will help your body become more alkaline. Wheatgrass juice, kale, cilantro, cucumber, celery, and parsley are all effective remedies for bad breath. You can even mix these into your water; just don’t add sugar.

– Chewing on herbs such as parsley or mint: Parsley is effective in neutralizing odor, so chew on some parsley after eating something stinky to refresh your tongue.

 

4. Professional Treatments

– Dental treatments (e.g., scaling, root planning)

– Consulting a doctor for underlying medical conditions

 

5. Additional Tips for Fresh Breath

– Using sugar-free gum or mints: Sugar-free mints, gum, xylitol products, and ADA-approved breath sprays can all help you get rid of foul breath quickly. If you’re interested, I’ll include links to product examples on the bottom bar.

– Avoiding tobacco products

In the next section, we will review some of the top recommended toothpaste brands to stop bad breath.

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Best Toothpaste for Bad Breath

As a dentist and content writer, I’d be going through special rounds of toothpaste to eliminate bad breath.

I’ll show you different toothpaste options, share my comments, and recommend them based on your needs. Let’s get started.

1. Arm & Hammer and TheraBreath Whitening Toothpaste

I learned about this product during the Henman Dental Symposium in Atlanta. Arm & Hammer is well-known for their baking soda-based toothpaste, which helps with whitening.

They collaborated with TheraBreath to develop a whitening version of their toothpaste.

Pros: Minty flavor (not overbearing) and decent foaming motion.

Cons: It contains SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), which may be uncomfortable for some people.

Rating: 8/10

This toothpaste is great if you like a slightly minty flavor and are looking for a whitening product.

Always try the travel size first to see if it suits you.

2. Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair

Next up is a toothpaste from Sensodyne, known for products that help with dental sensitivity. This toothpaste contains potassium nitrate for sensitivity and sodium fluoride for cavity prevention.

Pros: Good for sensitivity, anti-cavity, and modern packaging.

Cons: None significant.

Rating: 8.5/10

I recommend this for patients with sensitivity and those looking for a cavity defense. It’s effective and has a pleasant minty flavor.

3. PreviDent 5000 Booster Plus

PreviDent is gel toothpaste that’s a bit harder to find but offers a different texture from typical paste products.

Pros: Gel texture, ADA accepted, effective cleaning.

Cons: Contains SLS, availability might be an issue.

Rating: 7/10 (9/10 if you prefer gel over paste)

This toothpaste might appeal to those who prefer a gel consistency. It’s a solid choice for effective cleaning with a refreshing mint flavor.

4. BIOM Toothpaste Tablets (No BS)

Finally, we have BIOM’s no-fluoride toothpaste tablets, which went viral on TikTok. These are designed for people who prefer non-fluoride options.

Pros: Fluoride-free, convenient tablet form.

Cons: None significant.

Rating: N/A (I haven’t tested it extensively yet)

These tablets are a good option for those looking to avoid fluoride. I’ll be testing them out more to see how they perform in the long run.

Transitioning from toothpaste, it’s equally important to choose the right mouthwash to get rid of bad breath.

 

Best Mouthwash for Bad Breath

1. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash

The first product on our list is TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash, which is one of the best mouthwashes for bad breath.

This is our top pick because it meets all of the criteria and is one of the most popular dental hygiene products for halitosis. It is also recognized by the American Dental Association and is designed to prevent bad breath by targeting the sulfur-producing bacteria that cause it.

This natural mouthwash includes no alcohol, therefore it will not cause a burning sensation. It is also certified vegan, kosher, and gluten-free, making it appropriate for almost everyone. Dr. Harold Katz started the company in 1993 to treat his daughter’s bad breath, and the medication has since gained popularity as an effective bad breath solution.

2. CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash

CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash is next on our list. This ADA-approved solution is intended for people who have sensitive teeth and find normal mouthwash irritating due to burning. It is an alcohol-free, non-toxic mouthwash that does not irritate the mouth after usage. It is also free of sulfates, triclosan, and gluten.

CloSYS claims to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria, successfully combating unpleasant breath and other oral hygiene issues. The main distinction between this treatment and others is its unique component, Cloralstan, which targets the sulfur molecules that cause halitosis and helps prevent gum disease.

3. Listerine Total Care Anti-Cavity Mouthwash

Listerine is a well-known brand within the dental hygiene sector. Their Total Care Anti-Cavity Mouthwash is designed not just to treat halitosis, but also to prevent cavities, strengthen teeth, and enhance overall oral health. It has a high level of fluoride, which kills germs that cause mouth disorders.

Priced at around $6 per liter, it’s an excellent deal and should last about seven weeks, making it the top-value product on this list.   Crest is another well-known brand in dental hygiene.

4. Crest 3D Whitening Fresh Mint Flavor Mouthwash

Another well-known brand in dental care is Crest.

Those who wish to whiten their teeth might use the Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Mouthwash. It has Crest White Lock technology, which protects teeth from future stains and whitens teeth by removing surface stains.

Use it along with Crest 3D White Toothpaste for optimal results.

This mouthwash should begin to whiten your teeth in two days. It helps prevent bacteria development and foul breath, even though its main purpose is not to treat bad breath.

5. Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash

Our final best mouthwash for bad breath was created to aid in bad breath cure instead of only masking unpleasant breath.

Colgate Peroxyl is a very powerful anti-infection and healing medication. It works great for burns, mouth sores, gum inflammation, and minor oral irritation. When used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing, its oxygenating effect helps to loosen and eliminate oral debris, creating a healthier mouth and decreasing irritation.

This delightful, alcohol-free formulation is ideal for patients with delicate tongues. It’s especially helpful for people who frequently irritate their gums and wear dentures or orthotic devices.

Conclusion Cure For Halitosis

Now, let’s get you into action mode. Take a close look at your oral care routine.

Don’t forget about regular dental checkups. Your dentist isn’t just there for the tough times; they’re key in catching potential issues early and giving your teeth the professional clean they deserve.

But wait, there’s more! Your lifestyle plays a massive role too.

A diet low in sugar and high in fiber, coupled with staying hydrated, can do wonders for your oral health and breath.  

Do you have any personal hacks or experiences in managing bad breath? Drop them in the comments. Let’s create a space where we can all learn and grow towards better oral health together. We can conquer halitosis and reclaim our confidence.

Thanks for reading